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Betta's require at least five gallons. This is coming to you courtesy of Tiari, the Betta Junkie :).

The National Betta Administration, or what-have-you, as well as other organizations and pet suppliers, continue with this inhumane, and, frankly ridiculous 1 gallon rule of thumb. Why they insist on perpetuating this nonsense is beyond me, so all I can do is impart why the 1 gallon Betta myth, is well, a myth.

1 Gallon can not be safely heated to a constant 82 degrees. There is no heater on the market that can, and will hold that temperature, without wild swings, and likely cooking your fish. Since Betta require 82 degrees, a tank must be obtained that can safely handle a heater. 5 gallon minimum.

1 Gallon is not enough to safely disperse waste products and dissolved organics.

1 Gallon does not take into account the displacement of water by equipment, decorations and the fish itself.

1 Gallon is near impossible to cycle and remain at stable constants of water parameters

and lastly, Betta are native to the Rice Paddies of Thailand. These are not mud puddles, but vast acres of 2 to 3 foot deep water. 1 Gallon doesn't even come close to approximating the native habitat of these creatures.

Where this idea that Betta can be in bowls, or 1 gallon of water (even two gallons) is a little beyond me. You will be much happier, in the long run, not listening to that outdated and antiquated advice.

That said, you will hear around comments from online sources, such as "My Betta hated a large tank, I had to put him back in the bowl". There's a reason for this. A ten gallon tank with one stick string of a plant in a corner is way too much "open real estate" for a Betta. They like space AND thick plant cover, and also do not like open and bright overhead lighting.

I agree with all that Tiari is saying, though i do own my betta slayer and when i moved him to a 2.5 retangle tanks, he started nipping his tail. so now he is back in his 1.5, his 2.5 was almost planted were he had no room.. but 99% Tiari is correct